Birkenstock Vs. The Law: Can Sandals Be Art?

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 20, 2025

Birkenstock sandals are an undisputed icon—embraced by counterculture movements, medical professionals, and fashionistas alike. But are they art? The German Federal Court of Justice doesn’t think so.

The Legal Battle Over Birkenstock’s Design

On February 20, Germany’s highest civil court ruled that Birkenstock’s signature sandals, while distinctive, do not qualify as art and are therefore not protected by copyright. The case, brought by the shoemaker against three competitors—including German retailer Tchibo—aimed to block the sale of similar wide-strapped, big-buckle sandals. Birkenstock claimed its designs were “copyright-protected works of applied art,” deserving of stronger intellectual property protection than ordinary consumer goods.

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However, the court disagreed, concluding that functionality and craftsmanship outweighed artistic merit in this instance.

The Design Vs. Art Debate

Under German law, copyright protection extends 70 years after the creator’s death, while design protection lasts only 25 years from the product’s launch. With some of Birkenstock’s original designs dating back to the 1970s, many had already lost design protection. The company’s legal team sought to classify them as art, arguing their “iconic design” warranted extended copyright safeguards.

However, the court determined that products influenced by technical requirements and functional constraints do not meet the threshold for copyright protection. “For a work of applied art to be copyright-protected, it must reveal a distinct level of individuality beyond mere utility,” the ruling stated.

A Legacy Beyond The Courtroom

Birkenstock’s legal setback comes as the brand continues to expand its reach. Once a favorite among hippies and healthcare professionals, the brand experienced a pop culture renaissance following Margot Robbie’s pink Birkenstock cameo in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie.

Founded in 1774 and run by the Birkenstock family for six generations, the company transitioned to new ownership in 2021 when U.S. private equity firm L Catterton—backed by French billionaire Bernard Arnault’s luxury empire LVMH—acquired a majority stake. Birkenstock went public in 2023, cementing its status as both a heritage brand and a lucrative fashion player.

While Birkenstock’s sandals may not be art in the eyes of the law, their enduring cultural impact is undeniable. Whether they remain a symbol of comfort or a statement of style, their place in fashion history is already secured.

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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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